Lift Trucks carry inherent risk in your logistics and warehouse operations. On average, lift trucks are involved in around a quarter of workplace transport incidents. So, it is important to take steps to prevent lift truck collisions.
Every year there are incidents where pedestrians in the workplace are hit by moving lift trucks. Incidents involving collisions with warehouse infrastructure also pose risks.
Why do lift truck collisions happen?
In many instances, lift truck collisions are caused through operator behaviour. For example, collisions with structures may happen because of excessive speed in confined manoeuvring areas. Or because an operator has not looked in the direction of travel. Perhaps they failed to observe the external point of the truck.
Where operators are riding the footbrake, they may lose control of the truck. Or if they are using hydraulics while on the move, their concentration may be drawn away from operation. Both scenarios could also easily lead to a collision. Whether with racking, a pillar, a wall, or a doorway.
Many of the same behaviours could also cause a collision with a pedestrian. However, collisions with pedestrians may also occur due to other reasons. Such as failure to check all round before moving off from a static position. Or when changing direction. Failure to use appropriate warning devices, in particular at blind corners can also present a risk. As can a load obscuring the operator’s view. Or an operator selecting the incorrect direction to manoeuvre.
However, it is not only the responsibility of the operator. Supervisors play a part in ensuring safe and correct operation is taking place. Companies must also establish the correct safety systems and processes. For example, signage, markings, and walkways in warehouse spaces.
Moreover, companies have a responsibility to ensure their workforce is correctly trained. In fact, operator training is arguably the most crucial way to prevent lift truck collisions.
How training can help avoid lift truck incidents
Operators should be equipped with the correct knowledge and skills for operating the type of lift truck they use. This helps reduce the risk of an incident occurring. And this is one area where RTITB Accreditation can help operations delivering in-house training.
RTITB Accredited Partners have access to high quality operator training materials. This enables them to deliver standardised training across the workforce. Thereby supporting operation-wide risk reduction. RTITB training materials are also compliant with relevant guidance and legislation. They help your company prove it has done what is required in regard to training if there is an incident investigation.
In the past, some companies have chosen to issue ‘in-house’ training certificates to operators. This is to prevent employees taking their training to secure a position at other companies. However, this means the operator certificates do not have the backing of RTITB Accreditation. Now, it is not necessary to take this risk.
RTITB Accredited Partners can choose to issue operator certificates restricted for use exclusively within your company or site. These non-transferable certificates have the protection of RTITB Accreditation. Companies can also choose to issue nationally transferable certificates if they prefer too. More on these options here.
What’s more, RTITB Accreditation gives companies more options around training. For example, the eTruck lift truck eLearning platform for novice and refresher training. This can be used with both lift truck and reach truck operators. It is designed to make theory training delivery more time and cost efficient. But beyond that, it has been developed to be more engaging. As a result, it has a bigger impact on operator behaviour. This then helps prevent lift truck collision risk factors.
Instructors play a part in operational safety
To become RTITB Accredited Partners, companies must demonstrate the use of correctly trained Instructors. As, of course, the quality of operators reflects the quality of the Instructor who trained them.
RTITB Accreditation also gives Instructors access to the MyRTITB TrainingFriend app. This helps Instructors to complete assessments and related training documentation accurately. Companies then have evidence of correct training and assessment in the event of a lift truck collision incident.
A HealthCheck for the whole operation
RTITB does not just accredit your Basic forklift operator training. RTITB Accreditation covers your entire materials handling equipment operation compliance with the training and safety elements of L117. The Accreditation criteria ensures companies meet certain standards around training, safety, and compliance. Regular audits then ensure criteria are upheld. This helps to maintain safe operating standards. In turn, helping reduce the risk of lift truck incidents.
Furthermore, all RTITB Accredited Partners receive a free Annual HealthCheck. This helps identify potential risks. Including factors that may be contributing to the risk of lift truck collisions. It also suggests areas for improvement. And highlights good practice.
The HealthCheck covers a wide range of areas. Operator training, both novice and refresher, are covered. It also looks at risk assessment, key custody arrangements, management and supervision, authorisation to operate, operational areas, incident and near miss reporting, pre-use inspections, and many other factors.
RTITB Accreditation for safer lift truck operations
If your company is keen to prevent lift truck collisions, speak to the RTITB Accreditation team now for advice.